Age of Empires IV (Xbox for PC)

We've got two Age of Empires games arriving on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S in 2023, and while we've definitely been enjoying Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition so far, we're even more stoked to hear that the latest entry in the series, Age of Empires 4, is on the way to console as well. We've been begging and pleading for these strategy masterpieces to make their way to the Xbox platform for such a long time, and now it's finally going to become a reality. AoE4 doesn't have a release date yet, but we know it's coming in 2023.

  • Release Date: 2023
  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Alan Wake 2 (Xbox Series X|S)

Listen, we know it's probably unlikely that we'll be seeing Alan Wake 2 in 2023 given that all we've been treated to so far is a handful of concept screenshots, but it's still meant to release this coming year at the time of writing! You never know, perhaps we'll get a massive gameplay drop at E3 2023 followed by a December launch? In any case, we're obviously excited for the sequel to one of the best Xbox 360 games, and we're even more intrigued since it was revealed that it's apparently going to be a survival horror title.

  • Release Date: 2023
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Ark 2 (Xbox Series X|S)

Ark: Survival Evolved has been a huge success for Studio Wildcard since its release back in 2017, a MMO survival effort that's grown from somewhat shaky beginnings into an all-encompassing experience that's managed to rid itself of a lot of the rough edges that held it back somewhat upon release. With Ark 2, the developer is introducing an even bigger world for players to get to grips with, alongside improved combat that seeks to spice things up with a little Fromsoftware flavouring. Let's hope we get our first solid details and glimpses of gameplay on this one soon.

Update (April 1st): Sadly, Ark 2 has just been delayed to late 2024, although a remaster of the original game called "Ark Survival Ascended" will be arriving in August 2023.

  • Release Date: 2023 (Delayed to late 2024)
  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Assassin's Creed Mirage (Xbox Series X|S)

The 13th (!) mainline entry in the unstoppable Assassin's Creed franchise, Assassin's Creed Mirage sees players assume the role of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character first introduced in 2020's Assassin's Creed Valhalla. This time around the action shifts to Baghdad as we jump into the story of how a common thief rises through the ranks to become a member of the all-powerful Assassin's Brotherhood. We've been told to expect a return to the roots of the series with this one, with a focus on more linear storytelling and stealth, rather than the free-roaming, RPG-styled entries that have been the staple since Assassin's Creed Origins. We can't wait!

  • Release Date: 2023
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (Xbox Series X|S)

An open world action adventure that ties into James Cameron's blockbusting sci-fi series, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora might be a bit of an acquired taste on the face of things, especially judging by reaction to the latest movie, which definitely seems to be fairly mixed. However, we're properly excited for this first-person shooter on account of the fact it's being brough to us by Massive Entertainment, who've already delivered the goods with The Division and its excellent follow-up. In Frontiers, you'll assume the role of an unknown Na'vi who sets out on a journey to the western frontiers of Pandora. The story is separate from the movies too (phew!), so there's a real opportunity here to take the rich world and established lore of the movies and create something that could turn out to be really special. Here's hoping.

  • Release Date: 2023
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Black Myth: Wukong (Xbox Series X|S)

If you haven't seen the 13 minute gameplay video for Game Science's Black Myth: Wukong just yet, you may be surprised to see it on this list, but just go ahead and take a look at that jaw-dropping footage and you'll likely find yourself as hyped as we are. This incredible looking action-RPG has got a wonderfully Chinese look and feel to its world and characters and is based on the Journey to the West mythological stories. In it, you play the Monkey King Wukong, who kicks ass with up to 72 abilities and, judging from that action-packed trailer, we could be in for a real treat when this one drops sometime this year.

  • Release Date: 2023
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (Xbox Series X|S)

Now that Cyberpunk 2077 is finally in a place where people are enjoying it rather than criticising its terrible performance and bugs, it's time for the big, new expansion. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty was announced last year as coming to Xbox in 2023, in which you'll become a cyberpunk for hire and "take on an impossible mission of espionage and survival". Oh, and Idris Elba is part of the cast as well. What more do we need to say?

  • Release Date: 2023
  • Xbox Game Pass? No

Forza Motorsport (Xbox Series X|S)

The eighth entry in Turn 10's superlative racing franchise, Forza Motorsport looks set to be something of a reboot for the venerated series and, judging by the gameplay trailers, it's gonna be one hell of a good time. You know the devs are confident when they release so much gameplay footage that's been captured in-game, and we already know we're in for the biggest selection of cars and tracks seen in the series to date. If you prefer your racing to take place on tight and intense circuits with plenty of jostling and close quarters action, rather than the more open world and breezy nature of Forza Horizon, this is the driving game for you this year. Petrolheads prepare to be dazzled in a truly next-gen fashion when this one arrives in 2023.

  • Release Date: 2023
  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Hollow Knight: Silksong (Xbox Series X|S)

Yep, we're still waiting for Team Cherry to drop Hollow Knight: Silksong (no stress, guys), but with its Game Pass reveal trailer dropping all the way back in June of this year at the Xbox and Bethesda Showcase, we're convinced we're finally gonna get our hands on this one in 2023. A sequel to one of the greatest Metroidvanias of all time, Silksong has got big boots to fill, but we're confident Princess Hornet's acrobatic adventures in a brand new kingdom full of misty moors, coral forests and shining citadels will more than live up to our expectations. Fingers crossed we'll be diving into this one very, very soon.

  • Release Date: 2023
  • Xbox Game Pass? Yes

Hyenas (Xbox Series X|S)

Creative Assembly, y'know those amazing folk behind the likes of Alien Isolation and the Total War series, return this year with a sci-fi flavoured hero shooter that we reckon looks the absolute business. Hyenas sees teams of thieves from a space slum known as The Taint take on the robotic defence forces of the rich inhabitants of future Mars, as they plunder their Martian mansions in search of valuable pop culture loot. With an adult line in humour, lots of fun references to pop culture in the items you pilfer and fast-paced Zero-G action, this is looking like a unique and frantic team-based shooter that could gives the likes of Overwatch a run for its money when it arrives on earth in 2023.

  • Release Date: 2023
  • Xbox Game Pass? No